Climate Change and Girls’ Education in Uganda
Location:
Kanungu, Uganda
Art Medium:
Mural and Advocacy Walk
Partner:
Girl Power Foundation Uganda
Artist:
Allan Kyakonye
The Challenge
In Kanungu, Uganda, where most families are farmers, girls from the Sauti ya Dada (SYD) Club interviewed 32 community members to explore how changing weather patterns are affecting girls’ education. They found that fluctuating weather patterns caused by climate change are causing their parents’ crops to fail, making it harder for families to afford school fees. Girls are more deeply affected by this change, as with limited resources, families often choose to prioritize their son’s education over their daughters’.
The Action
In response, the SYD girls organized an advocacy walk through Kanungu, carrying signs to raise awareness of the link between climate change and girls’ education. 93 community members attended a public event where the SYD club performed a skit and unveiled a mural that illustrated the issue. These tools sparked dialogue and inspired solution-oriented discussions with participation from the wider community. In addition, local county council leaders committed to ensuring every household can properly dispose of plastic waste and has a compost pit, a climate action that both helps mitigate climate change and produces rich compost for agriculture.
The Impact
• The mural remains on display in Kanungu, serving as a teaching tool and reminder of the importance of educating girls and how climate change impacts it. Specifically, 250 students from three other schools have come to see the mural and learn about the topic. A church reverend has been bringing the congregation to learn about the mural and have discussion about environmental conservation and girls’ education.
• The SYD club has also started a small garden at school where they are growing vegetables and fruit trees to support the school feeding program. The trees also serve to break the wind and provide shade.
• One SYD girl leader started an environment club at school where the conversation on environment, climate, and girls’ education continues.
• Still in progress. Stay tuned for more!
Photo Gallery
